WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Fairly widespread but occasional throughout the UK but mainly on Western coasts and in the South. Habitat includes: wasteland, roadside verges, railway banks, coasts, sand dunes, sheltered sea cliffs, tips, rough grassland etc. It is often planted and sometimes escapes from cultivation. A native of South America. It has been cultivated in Britain since 1848 and is commonly grown in parks and gardens. It was first recorded in the wild in 1925. Most wild populations originate from garden throw-outs or deliberate planting but some regenerate from seed.